Jaromir Jagr officially finished with Flames, assigned to Czech team

The Calgary Flames have officially bid farewell to one of the NHL’s all-time greats.

Legendary right-winger Jaromir Jagr cleared waivers Monday morning and has been assigned to play out the remainder of his one-year contract with HC Kladno, his hometown team in Czech Liga 1.

“I want to thank Brad Treliving and the Calgary Flames for giving me the immense opportunity to be a part of their team and continue my NHL career this season,” Jagr said in a statement. “Although I am very disappointed that things did not turn out as we had hoped due to a number of circumstances, I am deeply grateful to the Flames, the fans and the City of Calgary for having welcomed me so generously. I now look forward to continuing the season in Kladno.”

Monday’s transaction not only marks the end of Jagr’s stay at the Saddledome, but it is likely the end of an era.

If Jagr has, as expected, logged his last National Hockey League appearance, he’s leaving his name all over the history books.

He owns the league record with 135 game-winning goals, 32 more than any active skater.

With 1,921 career points, Jagr is second to only Wayne Gretzky on the all-time list.

He ranks third in goals (766) and games played (1,733) and fifth in assists (1,155).

Jagr’s brief stint with the Flames was a frustrating one.

He missed training camp, signing a one-year, US$1-million pact on the same day as the regular-season opener, and struggled with injuries as he tried to get up to speed.

Jagr was limited to just 22 appearances in the Flaming C. He scored once — finishing off a feed from all-star left-winger Johnny Gaudreau during a Nov. 9 win over the Detroit Red Wings at the Saddledome — and chipped in six assists.

“Jaromir’s career speaks for itself,” said Flames general manager Brad Treliving in Monday’s press release. “He is a legend in our sport and we are very appreciative that he selected Calgary to pursue his career in the NHL. Regretfully, with a late start to his season combined with nagging injuries, he wasn’t in a position to perform at the level both he and our team had hoped.

“During his short time in Calgary, Jaromir demonstrated tremendous leadership and professionalism, especially with our young players. We thank him for his contributions to our group both on and off the ice.”

While Jagr is returning to HC Kladno, his impact should be felt at the Saddledome.

Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan mentioned several times that Calgary’s up-and-comers would benefit from simply being in the same locker-room as the sure-thing Hockey Hall-of-Famer.

“They realize they want to put in work if they want to be great, right?” Gulutzan said last month. “That’s what they realize. You gotta put in the work. That rubs on them. This guy works. This guy works.

“The workouts late at night aren’t every day. The skating late at night, it’s not all the time. But it’s there. It’s not just rumour, it happens. He is passionate about this game.”